Police Week observance begins in Hilo

(KPUA) The Big Island observance of Police Week got underway in Hilo Monday with solemn ceremonies that included a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, and a tribute to the four officers killed in the line of duty since 1918: Manuel Cadinha (1918), William Red Oili (1936), Ronald Shige Jitchaku (1990), and Kenneth Keliipio (1997).

Chief Harry Kubojiri said the four officers are among 20,000 nationwide, who have been killed in the line of duty. He also acknowledged Officer Joshua Gouveia and Officer Garrett Hatada, who were shot and injured last year while responding to a report of gunshots in Hilo. Both officers have since returned to work.

Another Police Week ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday (May 14) at the Kona police station.